UCLA is a leading research center that offers advanced pancreatic disease treatments only available at a handful of hospitals nationwide. We know pancreatic disease can be both frightening and painful. Our integrated clinic helps you get treated as quickly as possible to help minimize any stress and anxiety.
Our comprehensive team of specialists is experienced in treating all pancreatic disease types. Our center also treats diseases of the bile duct (carries digestive fluid from the liver and gallbladder), gallbladder and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).
We provide advanced imaging and diagnosis for all pancreatic diseases, using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. Conditions we treat include:
Illustration: the pancreas, common bile duct, and small intestine.
The pancreas is a gland that makes digestive enzymes (juices) and hormones like insulin that control blood sugar. The enzymes are secreted into the intestine to help digest food. The hormones help the body use or store the energy that comes from food.
The pancreas is roughly 6 inches long, nestled deep in the abdomen between the stomach and the spine. It has three sections: the head, the body and the tail. The head of the pancreas connects to the duodenum on the right side of the abdomen, with the body extending left and tapering towards the tail.
The pancreas is composed of two main cell types: exocrine and endocrine cells. Exocrine cells make compounds that help break down food (enzymes), while endocrine cells make hormones like insulin to control blood sugar.
Exocrine cells secrete enzymes into small tubes, or ducts, which combine into larger tubes that empty into the main pancreatic duct. The pancreatic duct joins the bile duct, which carries bile (digestive juices) from the liver and empties into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The stomach delivers partially digested food to the duodenum as well.
Endocrine cells represent a smaller portion of pancreatic cells, clustered into groups called islets that produce hormones like insulin and glucagon. These hormones control blood sugar and are secreted directly into the bloodstream.
Pancreatic disease interferes with the normal digestive process and can cause problems such as:
For more information or to make an appointment with our team of specialists, please call us at (310) 206-6889.
